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Death by Rock and Roll

Death by Rock and Roll is the fourth studio album by American rock band the Pretty Reckless, released on February 12, 2021. It is the band's first album released with their new label, Fearless Records, and is also the band's first album since the death of their long-time producer, Kato Khandwala in 2018. The album was produced by Jonathan Wyman, vocalist Taylor Momsen, and guitarist Ben Phillips, along with additional production done by Nate Yacchichino. The album was preceded by two singles: "Death by Rock and Roll" and "And So It Went" featuring Tom Morello. There were also two promotional singles released prior to the album: "Broomsticks" and "25".

Death by Rock and Roll
Studio album by
the Pretty Reckless
ReleasedFebruary 12, 2021 (2021-02-12)
Recorded2019–2020
StudioLondon Bridge (Seattle, Washington)
Genre
Length50:18
Label
Producer
The Pretty Reckless chronology
Who You Selling For
(2016) 		Death by Rock and Roll
(2021) 		Other Worlds
(2022)
Singles from Death By Rock and Roll
  1. "Death by Rock and Roll"
    Released: May 15, 2020
  2. "And So It Went"
    Released: January 8, 2021
  3. "Only Love Can Save Me Now"
    Released: June 22, 2021

Background and recording

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In April 2018, the band's longtime-producer, Kato Khandwala, was involved in a motorcycle accident and died later due to injuries from the crash.[1][2][3] Speaking about Khandwala's death, Taylor Momsen stated:

"That was the nail in the coffin for me. I threw my hands up in the air and kind of went 'Yeah, I give up.' I went down a very dark rabbit hole of depression and substance abuse and everything that comes with that."[4]

The band was also struggling with the death of Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell in 2017.[4]

In November 2019, it was announced that the band had begun working on their fourth studio album.[5] The album's title, a phrase often used by Khandwala, was later revealed in February 2020.[6] "It was like a code that we lived our life by, and that I still live my life by," Momsen said of the title. "It's very much a battle cry for life: live life your own way."[6][7] The album was recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle, Washington.[8]

Release

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The album was released on February 12, 2021.[9][10] The lead single, "Death by Rock and Roll" was released on May 15, 2020.[11] A promotional single, "Broomsticks", was released on October 22, 2020.[8] The second promotional single, "25", was released on November 13, 2020.[12] The second single, "And So It Went" (featuring Tom Morello), was released on January 8, 2021.[13][14]

Speaking about releasing music during the COVID-19 pandemic in an interview with Kerrang!, lead vocalist Taylor Momsen stated:

"It is a very weird thing to be releasing music right now. It's always a bit nerve-wracking to put music out into the world at any time, but certainly releasing music in these very unprecedented times is a bit scary."[8]

Composition

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Death by Rock and Roll has mainly been described as hard rock,[15][16][17] alternative rock,[16] and grunge.[17][18] In describing the album, Good Call Live stated, "from heavy grunge-laden riffs to classic rock hooks, from theatrical rock to an almost country rock element this album has the band wearing their hearts on their sleeves."[18] The title track has been described as an "outlaw-styled rock track with an ascending, evocative chorus and vibrant guitar melody."[19] Kato Khandwala's footsteps can be heard in the song's intro.[6] The song "Only Love Can Save Me Now," an homage to Chris Cornell, contains "bluesey grunge riffs", and has been compared to 90s grunge bands like Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.[6][17] "And So It Went" has also been described as a grunge song and even features a guitar solo from Tom Morello.[17] "25" has been described a leaning towards progressive rock.[17] The song "My Bones" is a "no-frills rock" song and has been compared to Thin Lizzy and Kiss[17] "Got So High" is a "semi-acoustic" song.[20] "Broomsticks" is a short, Halloween-themed track[8] and has been compared to Tim Burton movies.[15] "Witches Burn" has been compared to Danzig.[21] "Standing at the Wall" is a reflective and "semi-acoustic" song, similarly to "Got So High".[20] "Turning Gold" has a "'80s rock feel".[17] "Rock and Roll Heaven" is a country rock[3] and "Americana-style ballad".[20] The closing track, "Harley Darling" is a country rock,[16] folk rock,[20] and rootsy ballad, and is an homage to Khandwala.[6][17]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.0/10[22]
Review scores
SourceRating
Blabbermouth.net7/10[20]
Classic Rock     [23]
Gigwise          [3]
Kerrang!4/5[21]
Metal Hammer     [24]
NME     [15]
Noizze          [16]
Riff Magazine          [17]
Upset     [25]

Death by Rock and Roll received generally positive reviews from critics. Dom Lawson of Blabbermouth.net was positive towards the album stating, "fortunately, there are several genuinely great songs on here, all with huge amounts of disarming charm."[20] Henry Yates of Classic Rock complimented the album as "their first attempt to claw back what they had", calling it "brilliant".[23]

Vicky Greer of Gigwise called the album a "prime example of the healing power of rock and roll".[3] James Hickie of Kerrang! was positive towards the album and considered the album to be "made by people who have suffered for their art and whose art will in turn soothe their suffering."[21] Paris Fawcett of Metal Hammer was less positive stating, "TPR trade the rambunctious anthems of previous records for a vulnerable and reflective approach, yet often come across as more schmaltzy than tortured."[24]

Sophie Williams of NME complimented Momsen's vocals saying that "her delivery is invariably the best thing about 'Death By Rock And Roll'."[15] Bennie Osborne of Noizze called the album a "defining moment in their musical exploration".[16] Mike DeWald of Riff Magazine stated, "Death By Rock and Roll thrives on its ability to surprise and delight while staying faithful to its core."[17]

The album was elected by Loudwire as the 6th best rock/metal album of 2021.[26]

Commercial performance

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In the United States, Death by Rock and Roll was the highest selling album in the country in its release week, selling 16,000 copies and earning 17,366 album equivalent units in total. The album debuted at the top of the Top Album Sales chart, becoming the band's first number one and third top ten, while reaching the 28th position on the Billboard 200. Of the total number of albums sold, 5,300 were sold in vinyl format, enabling a number five debut on the Vinyl Albums Chart.[27][28]

Track listing

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All tracks written by Taylor Momsen and Ben Phillips. All tracks produced by Momsen, Phillips and Jonathan Wyman.

Death by Rock and Roll track listing[29]
No.TitleLength
1."Death by Rock and Roll"3:54
2."Only Love Can Save Me Now" (featuring Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron)5:12
3."And So It Went" (featuring Tom Morello)4:30
4."25"5:26
5."My Bones"4:47
6."Got So High"3:20
7."Broomsticks"0:38
8."Witches Burn"4:53
9."Standing at the Wall"3:58
10."Turning Gold"4:09
11."Rock and Roll Heaven"5:12
12."Harley Darling"4:19
Total length:50:18

Personnel

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The Pretty Reckless

  • Taylor Momsen – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
  • Ben Phillips – lead guitar, keyboards, piano, backing vocals
  • Mark Damon – bass
  • Jamie Perkins – drums, percussion

Additional musicians

  • Kim Thayil – additional guitars (2)
  • Matt Cameron – additional drums, additional vocals (2)
  • Tom Morello – additional guitars (3)
  • Sara Hallie Richardson – backing vocals
  • Anna Lombard – backing vocals
  • Isaac Phillips – harmonica
  • David Pontbriand – sitar, tanpura
  • Duncan Watt – keyboards, orchestra, organ, piano

Production

  • Taylor Momsen – production
  • Ben Phillips – production
  • Jonathan Wyman – production, drum programming, engineering, mixing, additional guitars, keyboards
  • Nate Yacchichino – additional production
  • Ted Jensen – mastering
  • Jay Colangelo – drum technician
  • Neil Hundt – drum technician
  • Danny Hastings – photography
  • Sean Kelly – assistant engineer, production technician
  • Adam Larson – package design

Charts

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References

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  1. ^ "The Pretty Reckless And Pop Evil Producer Kato Khandwala Dies After Motorcycle Crash". Blabbermouth.net. April 27, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  2. ^ "Rock Producer Kato Khandwala Passes From Motorcycle Accident". All Access Music Group. April 27, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d Greer, Vicky (February 11, 2021). "Album Review: The Pretty Reckless - Death by Rock and Roll". Gigwise. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Turman, Katherine (February 8, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless' Taylor Momsen Lives for 'Death by Rock and Roll'". Spin. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  5. ^ Diehl, Bob (November 7, 2019). "The Pretty Reckless Working on New Album With Matt Cameron". www.radio.com. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d e Tracy, Brianne. "Taylor Momsen Opens Up About Surviving a Period of 'Depression and Substance Abuse': Music 'Saved' Me". People. Meredith. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  7. ^ Greenwood, Koltan (February 17, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless announce first tour since 2017–Update". Alternative Press. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d Carter, Emily (October 23, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Celebrate Halloween Early With New Track, Broomsticks". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  9. ^ Schaffner, Lauryn (November 11, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Confirm Release Date for 'Death By Rock and Roll' Album". Loudwire. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  10. ^ "The Pretty Reckless's Taylor Momsen Explains Decision To Delay 'Death By Rock And Roll' Album Until 2021". Blabbermouth.net. August 18, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  11. ^ Rutherford, Kevin (July 30, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Sets New Mark for Women Atop Mainstream Rock Songs Chart With 'Death by Rock and Roll'". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  12. ^ Schaffner, Lauryn (November 13, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Drop Retrospective New Song '25'". Loudwire. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  13. ^ "Future Releases". AllAccess.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  14. ^ Carter, Emily (January 8, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless recruit Tom Morello for explosive new single, And So It Went". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  15. ^ a b c d Williams, Sophie (February 11, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless – 'Death By Rock And Roll' review: Devil horn moments aplenty". NME. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  16. ^ a b c d e Osborne, Bennie (February 9, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless - Death By Rock And Roll Album Review". Noizze. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j DeWald, Mike (February 9, 2021). "Review: The Pretty Reckless find new life in 'Death By Rock And Roll'". Riff Magazine. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  18. ^ a b "Album Review: The Pretty Reckless – 'Death By Rock N Roll'". Good Call Live. February 15, 2021. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  19. ^ Divita, Joe (May 15, 2020). "The Pretty Reckless Debut New Song in Tribute to Late Producer". Loudwire. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  20. ^ a b c d e f Lawson, Dom (10 February 2021). "The Pretty Reckless "Death By Rock And Roll"". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  21. ^ a b c Hickie, James (February 11, 2021). "Album review: The Pretty Reckless – Death By Rock And Roll". Kerrang!. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  22. ^ "Death by Rock and Roll by The Pretty Reckless reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  23. ^ a b Yates, Henry (February 11, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless find brilliant new life on Death By Rock And Roll". Classic Rock. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  24. ^ a b Fawcett, Paris (February 9, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless's Death By Rock And Roll: vulnerability, reflection and schmaltz". Metal Hammer. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  25. ^ Ackroyd, Stephen (February 16, 2021). "The Pretty Reckless - Death By Rock And Roll". Upset. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  26. ^ "The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. December 10, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  27. ^ "Hits Top 50". HitsDailyDouble. February 21, 2021. Archived from the original on 2021-02-21. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  28. ^ Caulfield, Keith. "The Pretty Reckless Earn First No. 1 on Top Album Sales Chart With 'Death by Rock and Roll'". Billboard. PMC. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  29. ^ Death by Rock and Roll (CD booklet). Fearless Records. 2021.
  30. ^ "Australiancharts.com – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  31. ^ "Austriancharts.at – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  32. ^ "Ultratop.be – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  33. ^ "Ultratop.be – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  34. ^ "The Pretty Reckless Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  35. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  36. ^ "The Pretty Reckless: Death by Rock and Roll" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  37. ^ "Lescharts.com – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  39. ^ "Italiancharts.com – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  40. ^ "The Pretty Recklessの売上ランキング". Oricon. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
  41. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  42. ^ "Swisscharts.com – The Pretty Reckless – Death by Rock and Roll". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  43. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  44. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  45. ^ "The Pretty Reckless Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  46. ^ "The Pretty Reckless Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  47. ^ "The Pretty Reckless Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  48. ^ "Year-End Charts: Top Album Sales (2021)". Billboard. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
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